A New Historical Study Of Philip Roth's American Pastoral

As one of the most talented Jewish American writers. Philip Roth (1933—) narrates stories with flexible and varied writing styles. American Pastoral (1997) is one of Philip Roth's post-modernist novels. Philip Roth diverts his anti-Jewish themes to the conflicts between the traditional Jewish culture and the flamboyant American society. The time crosses over from the early Jewish settlement after WWⅡto the 1970th. nearly half a century. Many real historical figures and events are mentioned. Historical events like Vietnam War. Watergate scandal, and the terroristic bombing did happen during these years. Fictional characters such as Merry, Levov's daughter. act like a real historical figure who protests Vietnam War by radical actions. Besides, the author uses some post-modernist writing techniques, such as montage and parody. In this novel, American history is reconstructed. These characteristics are coherent with "Historicity of Text and Textuality of History" in New Historicism.This thesis attempts to apply such theory to the analysis of the novel to find out how Philip Roth's text relates to the American culture and how he shapes the American history in these unique techniques.There are five chapters in this thesis. Chapter one is an introduction. The general purpose of this thesis is revealed. Firstly, the author, his distinguished works and accomplishment are briefly stated. Secondly, it is about the plot of American Pastoral. Thirdly, the precious critical studies of American Pastoral at home and abroad are demonstrated. Fourthly, it is about the layout of the thesis. In chapter two, the poetics of the New Historicism is presented. Firstly, the meaning of New Historicism is shown. Secondly, two major representatives—Stephen Greenblatt and Louis Montrose and their major theories are discussed. "Historicity of texts and textuality of history" is greatly focused on. The following parts are about Philip Roth's tendency to New Historical in American Pastoral. In chapter three, it is the historicity of texts in American Pastoral. In chapter four, it is the textuality of the history. The last chapter is the conclusion. The historical events in America after the WWII to 1970s are viewed in a new perspective. Philip Roth's personal idea on history could be understood and his unique writing style could be better appreciated.